Effect of Telerehabilitation on Exercise Capacity, Cardiac Function and Physical Activity in a Patient with Systemic Arterial Hypertension: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise training applied via telerehabilitation on cardiac functions, exercise capacity, physical activity, and body composition in a systemic hypertensive individual.

Method: A 48-year-old female case is presented in this study. The hypertensive individual who applied to the Sorgun State Hospital Department of Cardiology was consulted for cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Since the patient could not access outpatient CR, the physical therapist decided to perform synchronous telerehabilitation. Before and at the end of the exercise training, exercise capacity was assessed with 6-minute stepper test and maximal stress test, physical activity level with the International Physical Activity Scale and smartwatch, body composition with bioelectrical impedance analysis, and systolic and diastolic functions with echocardiography. The patient underwent submaximal exercise training via video conference for 24 sessions and real-time heart rate monitoring was performed during the exercise.

Results: The patient (height: 155 cm, body mass index: 31.61 kg/m²) completed all 24 sessions (100%). No adverse events were observed. At the end of the exercise training, there were improvements in the patient’s cardiac functions as well as in blood pressure. Moreover, there was a significant increase in oxygen consumption and exercise capacity levels. In addition, positive changes were observed in the patient’s physical activity level and body composition.

Discussion: Hypertension can benefit from aerobic exercise training delivered via telerehabilitation, Given the high adherence rate, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility, cardiac telerehabilitation appears to be a promising intervention for managing hypertension.

Key Words: Hypertension, Exercise, Telerehabilitation.